Apparatus for sealing containers



Feb. 8, 1944. H. E. STOVER APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Feb. 16, 1940 INVENTOR Harry E. Sfover ATTORN EYS Feb. 8, 1944. H, E, STOvER 2,341,126

APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Feb. 16, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

' Harry E Srover A TTORNE Y5 Feb. 8, 1944. H. E. STOVER APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Feb. 16, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 *bll llll

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Q Ti W5 B WIN 3 l o 64 BY yATToRNEYs PstentedFeb. s, 1944 APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Harry E. Stover, Leonia, N. 1., assignor to Anchor-Hocking Glass Corporation, Lancaster, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Original application February 16, 1940, Serial No. 319,312. Divided and this application June 6,

1941, Serial No. 396,887

3 Claims. (Cl. 226-881) My invention relates to cap-feeding apparatus. It has to do, more particularly, with apparatus for feeding caps from a source of supply and applying them to containers, such as food containers and including Jars, bottles, cans, et cetera,

preparatory to sealing them on said containers.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a simple and efiective apparatus for feeding caps from a source of supply into position to be engaged by the upper ends of containers to be sealed thereby which are moved along by a conveyer.

Another object of my invention is to provide apparatus which will automatically release caps from a cap magazine and feed them into position to be engaged by the top of the containers without any manual intervention by the operator.

Another object of my invention is to provide a cap-feeding and applying unit of such a nature that the cap can be withdrawn therefrom by a container on a moving conveyer without danger of upsetting the container.

Another object of my invention is to provide a cap-feeding apparatus of such a nature that the cap which is fed into position to be engaged by a container will not drop from the cap-feeding mechanism until it is positively withdrawn by a passing container.

Another object of my invention is to provide a cap-feeding unit having a magazine for a vertically disposed stack of caps and which is of such a nature that the lowermost cap will be separated from the stack while the stack is supported in position.

Another object of my invention is to provide a cap-feeding apparatus including a magazine and cap-feeding unit which can be removed and replaced readily when difierent size caps are to be used.

In its preferred form, my invention contemplates the provision of a simple apparatus for feeding caps from a source of supply and applying them to containers such as jars, bottles, cans, et cetera. The apparatus is preferably employed with a continuously moving conveyer upon which the filled containers are placed indiscriminately. Means is preferably provided in association with the conveyer for centering and maintaining the containers centered on said conveyer. The containers are first moved by the conveyer to my cap-feeding and applying unit where caps or other closures are loosely positioned on the upper ends of the containers. The containers may then be moved to a sealing unit such as is described in my parent application, Serial No. 319,312. It will, of

course, be understood. that any suitable sealing unit may be used in conjunction with my'capfeeding apparatus. The sealing head and my cap-feeding and applying unit are preferably separately disposed directly adjacent each other. My cap-feeding and applying unit is preferably connected to the sealing head so that each time the sealing head is actuated, a cap is fed from my cap-feeding unit into position to be engaged by the next container in the conveyer. It is not, however, necessary to operate the cap-feeding and applying unit by the sealing head.

This application is a division of my co-pending application Serial No. 319,312, filed February 16, 1940, which issued as Patent Number 2,309,548.

Various other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description.

The preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts and wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of my cap-feeding and applying apparatus showing it associated with a sealing machine.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken through the cap-feeding unit showing one cap in position to be engaged by a container.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a separating wedge of the cap-feeding unit.

Figure 5 is a view partly in horizontal section and partly in plan taken substantially along line 5-5 of Figure 6.

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken sub stantially along line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in section taken substantially along line 'I-I of Figure 5.

With reference to the drawings, I have illustrated a machine which comprises generally a conveyer unit I, a cap-feeding and applying unit 2 and a sealing head unit 3.

The conveyer unit I may be of any suitable type. For example, it may be of the type disclosed in the co-pending application of William D. Bell on Apparatus for sealing containers, Serial .No. 314,299, filed January 17, 1940. However, it is to be understood that my apparatus may be asso My invention is not limited to use with any particular type Of container and cooperating cap but for illustrative purposes I have shown in Figure 3 a tumbler 4 adapted to receive the cap on its upper end. This cap preferably embodies a substantially disk-like portion which has a. depending annular skirt.

The containers 4 are placed indiscriminately on the conveyer and are moved in the direction of the arrows (Figures 1 and 2) by the conveyer. The containers are centered thereon in the manner described in said co-pending application Serial No. 319,312. They are first carried to the capfeeding and applying unit 2. This unit is of such a type that it will apply a cap loosely to the upper end of the container. After the container passes the unit 2, it passes to the sealing head unit 3. This sealing head unit 3 is adapted to displace the air from the head space and to sterilize such space and the cap before the sealing operation.

The units 2 and 3 are disposed directly adjacent each other. They are both supported by a horizontally disposed plate 9. The plate 9 is supported at a point spaced above the conveyer unit I by means of four vertically disposed non-rotatable posts III which are disposed at each corner of the plate. Each of these posts I0 is provided with a base portion II on its lower end which is suitably secured, as by screw bolts IIa, to a portion of the conveyer unit I. The upper portion of each of these posts is threaded, as indicated at I2. Each of the posts has an intemally threaded worm gear I3 mounted on the threaded portion I2 thereof. Each of these worm gears is disposed directly beneath and engages a corner extension I4 of the plate 9. Bolted to the side of each of these corner extensions I4 is a bracket I5. right hand end of th plate 9 (Figure 1) rotatably support a horizontally disposed worm shaft I6. The pair of brackets I5 at the other end of the plate 9 rotatably support a horizontally disposed worm shaft I'I. Each of the worm shafts I6 and I1 carries a pair of worms I8 which engage the adjacent worm gears I3. The worm shaft I1 is provided with an angular end I9 for receiving a crank by means of which it may be.

rotated. In order to rotate the shaft I6 simultaneously with the shaft I1, the shaft I'I isprovided on its opposite end with a sprocket keyed thereon. This sprocket has a chain 2| passing therearound which also passes around a sprocket 22 keyed on the corresponding end of the shaft I6.

Thus, it will be apparent that when the shaft I1 is rotated, the shaft I6 will be rotated simultaneously and to the same extent. Consequently, by rotating shaft I1, all of the worm gears I3 will be caused to rotate. Since these gears are threaded on the posts I0, they will be moved vertically on the posts. Furthermore, since the gears are in engagement with lower surfaces of the plate 9, the plate 9 will be moved vertically in accordance with the vertical movement of the gears. Thus, the plate 9 may be adjusted vertically to position the units 2 and 3 at the proper height above the conveyer unit. depending upon the height of the containers to be sealed. It will be noted that all portions of my apparatus are carried by the plate 9. Consequently, it is in the form of a unitary structure which may be readily associated with any suitable type of conveyer unit.

The sealing head unit 3 is illustrated generally in Figures 1 and 2, and is described in detail in my co-pending application Serial No. 319,312. It comprises a. vertically disposed cylindrical housing portion 23 which has a base portion 24 that is bolted by means of bolts 24a to the upper surface of the plate 9. Beneath the base portion 24 the plate 9 is provided with a. large opening 25, in order to permit vertical movement of the sealing head 26. Above the housing portion 23 is a housing portion 38 which is bolted to portion 23. The sealing head 26 is adjustable by a collar 39 and collars 46, as described in my co-pending application.

The sealing head 26 is actuated by a unit dis- .posed within housing 59, as described in my copending application. This housing 59 is bolted to housing portion 38 by a bolt 65, which is connected to lug 66 on member 59. One end of housing 59 is closed by a head II and the other end is closed by a head I2. Head 12 carries a sleeve portion I3 in which the piston rod 56 reciprocates. Piston rod 56 is connected to the sealing head 26 in the manner described in my co-pending application. The unit in housing 59 is controlled by a trigger I32 which is engaged by a cap on a container moved into sealing position as described in my co-pending application.

The cap-feeding and applying unit 2 is illustrated best in Figures 3, 4 and 5 to '7, inclusive. This unit comprises a plate I33 which is suitably bolted to the plate 9 over an extension of The pair of brackets I5 at the v the opening 25 in the plate 9. This plate I33 has a portion I34 which extends down into the opening 25. The plate I33 is bolted to the plate 9 by means of wing bolts I35 so that it may be readily removed. The plate I33 is provided with a centrally disposed opening I36 which is in alignment with the sealing head 26. This opening I36 is of the proper size to permit the caps, to be applied to the containers, to drop freely therethrough. The plate I 33 carries four upstanding posts I31 which are spaced circumferentially around the opening I36. These posts I31 are adapted to receive a stack of the nested caps.

For controlling the feed of the caps downwardly through the opening I36, I provide the following structure. This structure embodies a pair of cap separating wedge members I38. These wedge members I38 are disposed tangentially to the opening I36, as indicated best in Figure 5. They are mounted for axial movement in the plate I33. The outer ends of these members I38 are connected to block members I39 which receive a transversely extending pin I40. This pin I40 is engaged intermediate its ends by a yoke I4I, formed on the lower end of a lever I42, which is vertically disposed. The lever I42 is pivoted at I43 between a pair of lugs I44 projecting from the housing portion 23. The upper end of the lever I42 is pivoted at I45 to the outer bifurcated end of a link I46. The inner bifurcated end of the link I46 is pivoted to the outer end of the piston rod 56 which passes through an opening in the housing portion 38. It will be apparent that when the piston rod 56 reciprocates, it will swing the lever I42 about its pivot I43. Consequently, this will move the members I38 axially.

The members I38 are of the shape shown in the drawings, particularly in Figure 4. Each of the members I38 has a flat lower surface I48 formed intermediat its ends. This lower flat surface has a cam shoulder I49 formed thereon.- Beneath each of the members I 38 is a stop finger I50 which is mounted for axial movement in a tubular housing Il at right angles to the member' I38. The tubular housing is disposed in a bore I52 extending radially from the peripheral wall of the opening I35. The outer end of the finger I 50 is reduced and has a compression spring I53 associated therewith. This spring normally tends to force the finger I50 inwardly towards the center of opening I35. A nut I54 threaded on the outer end of finger I50 and engaging the outer end of housing I5I limits this inward movement. The inner end of the finger I50 is provided with a. flattened portion I55 which normally projects inwardly beyond the wall of the opening I35 and upon which the lowermost cap normally rests. The two fingers I50 will be diametrically opposed and will normally prevent downward movement of the caps through the opening I35. It will be noted that they are spaced v above the bottom of the opening.

Above the surface I 55 a cam shoulder I55 is formed on the finger I50. This cam surface I55 is in engagement with the cam shoulder I49 of the member I38. When the member I39 is moved in the direction of the arrow (Figure 4) the cam shoulder I49, engaging cam surface I55, will force the stop finger I50 outwardly against the force of the spring I53. This will withdraw the finger completely from the opening I35 out of engagement with the lowermost cap and will peram the cap to drop. As soon as member I38 is returned again to'the position indicated in Figure 4, the finger I50 will be forced inwardly by the spring I53.

Each of the members I38 also has a flat vertical surface I51 formed thereon intermediate ger I is disposed directly adjacent the point I59 where the wedge portion I58 is formed. This wedge portion I58 is provided with a horizontally disposed upper edge I50 which is spaced above the top surface of portion I a distance substantially equal to the thickness of a cap. The lower edge I6I of wedge portion I59 is inclined so that the end I59 of portion I58 is pointed. It will thus be apparent that the lowermost cap will normally be supported by the projecting portions I55 of the stop fingers I50. However, when the members I38 are drawn outwardly by movement of the lever I42, this causes the fingers I50 to be moved so that the portions I 55 thereof are withdrawn from the opening I35, permitting the lowermost cap to drop from the opening. At the same time that the portions I55 are withdrawn, the pointed ends I59 of the cam portions I58 pass beween the lowermost cap and the cap next above. The wedge-shaped cam portions I58 actually serve to force the lowermost cap downwardly. It is desirable to have this positive action rather than to rely upon gravity, because the caps may tend to stick together. The

straight upper edges I50 of the portions I58 will support the cap next above and the entire stack during the time fingers I50 are in the withdrawn position. As soon as the lever I42 returns the members I38 to theiroriginal positions, the portions I55 will again project into the opening I35 and the lowermost cap will rest thereon, since the wedge portions I58 have been moved from beneath the cap which they were previously supporting. Thus, it will be apparent that each time the piston rod 55 is moved outwardly to the right (Figure 2) a single cap will drop through the opening I35.

The cap released from the stack will drop downwardly onto a leaf member I52 which is secured to a block portion I53 that is pivoted by the pivot pin I54 to the lower portion of theplate I33. The leaf member I52 extends beneath the opening I35. Also secured to the block I53, is a pair of parallel tracks I55 which extend forwardly towards the sealing head 25. These tracks I55 are spaced apart a proper distance so that they will support the cap 5 released from the stack. Thus, the cap will be supported in an inclined position, as indicated in Figure 3, by the tracks I55 engaging it at diametrically opposed points and by the leaf member I52 engaging the rear edge thereof. Although the members I55 are spaced a distance such that the cap will rest thereon, they are spaced sufliciently to permit the upper end of the container to pass therebetween, it being understood that the cap is slightly greater in diameter than the upper end of the container.

The tracks I55 are normally held in horizontal position by means of a vertically disposed pin I55 which engages a rearward extension I51 on the block I53. This pin I55 is vertically disposed in an extension I58 of the plate I33. It is provided with a small projection I59 which coop- -erates with a bayonet slot I10 formed in portion I58. With this structure, the pin may be inserted and rotated and will. be locked in position so that it will hold the tracks I 55 in horizontal position. Above the forward ends of the tracks I55, a leaf member "I is disposed which is secured to the lower surface of the plate I 33 beyond the opening I 35. This leaf I1I extends to a point adjacent the sealing head 25 and is provided in order to preclude accidental movement of a cap up between the plate I33, and associated parts, and the member 26.

It will be apparent that all parts of the capfeeding unit are carried by the plate I33. Consequently, when different sized caps are used, the entire unit may be removed easily and quickly and replaced with a different unit adapted to contain and feed caps of a different size; When removing the cap-feeding unit, it is desirable to remove the pivot I43 to permit the lever I42 to be disengaged from the pin I40. Therefore, the pivot I43 is merely held in position by means of a leaf spring I12, secured to the lever, which carries a pin on its upper end that engages an annular groove in the pivot pin I43 and normally prevents axial movement thereof. If a cap becomes bent or damaged and wedges in the guideway formed by the tracks I55, the pin I55 may be removed to permit the tracks I55 to swing downwardly into a vertical position so that the damaged cap can be removed.

When the conveyer moves a container beneath the cap-feeding unit 2, the upper end of the container will engage the skirt of the inclined cap disposed in the position indicated in Figure 3. This will move the cap along the tracks I55 with the container. The cap and container will be moved along until they pass beneath the sealing head 25. As described in my co-pending application, sealing of the cap on the container will then be effected.

It will be apparent from the above description that I have provided a cap-feeding and applying unit having a number of advantages. Some of these advantages have been discussed and others will be apparent.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A cap-feeding unit comprising a magazine for supporting a stack of caps of circular outline, said magazine having a cylindrical chamber at the bottom thereof in which the lowermost portion of the stack of caps will be disposed and through which the caps are adapted to pass, means for controlling the feed of the caps through said cylindrical chamber, said means comprising a pair of diametrically opposed fingers mounted for reciprocation in guideways diametrically o posed relative to said chamber and having their inner ends opening into said chamher, said fingers having upper horizontally disposed cap supporting surfaces on their inner ends, springs in said guideways associated with said fingers for normally projectingthem toward each other into said chamber so that they Will support the lowermost cap in said chamber, a pair of cap separators disposed substantially at right angles to said fingers, said cap separators being disposed for reciprocation in guideways arranged substantially tangentially relative to said chamber and opening into said chamber at their inner edges intermediate their ends, said cap separators having cam portions which engage the fingers upon reciprocation of the separators and withdraw the fingers from said chamber so as to.release the lowermost cap, said cap separators having wedge portions which will enter into said chamber during a portion of the reciprocating movement of the separators and will be projected between the lowermost cap and the cap next above so as to force the lowermost cap downwardly and support the cap next above during the time said fingers are withdrawn said wedge portions having upper horizontal cap sup orting surfaces disposed at a distance above the cap supporting surfaces of said fingers which is substantially the thickness of a cap so as to engage said cap next above and lower inclined cam surfaces adapted to engage said lowermost caps, the sharp ends of said wedge portions terminating short of the positions of said fingers.

2. A cap-feeding unit comprising a magazine for supporting a stack of caps of circular outline, means for controlling the feed of the caps from the lower end of said magazine, said means comprising a pair of diametrically opposed fingers mounted for reciprocation in guideways diametrically opposed relative to said magazine and having their inner ends opening into said magazine, said fingers having upper horizontally disposed cap supporting surfaces on their inner ends, springs in said guideways associated with said fingers for normally projecting them toward each other into said magazine so that they will support the lowermost cap in said magazine, a pair of cap separators disposed substantially at right angles to said fingers, said cap separators being disposed for reciprocation in guideways arranged substantially tangentially relative to said magazine and opening into said magazine at their inner edges intermediate their ends, said cap separators having cam portions which engage the fingers upon reciprocation of the seprators and withdraw the fingers from said magazine so as to release the lowermost cap, said cap separators having wedge portions which will enter into said magazine during a portion of the reciprocating movement of the separators and will be projected between the lowermost cap and the cap next above so as to force the lowermost cap downwardly and support the cap next above during the time said fingers are withdrawn said wedge portions having upper horizontal cap supporting surfaces disposed at a distance above the cap supporting surfaces of said fingers which is substantially the thickness of a cap so as to engage said cap next above and lower inclined cam surfaces adapted to engage said lowermost cap, the sharp ends of said wedge portions terminating shortof the positions of said fingers.

3. A cap feeding unit comprising a magazine for supporting a stack of caps, means for controlling the feed of caps from the lower end of said magazine, said means comprising a pair of opposed fingers mounted for reciprocation in opposed guideways at the lower end of said magazine, said fingers normally projecting from said guideways toward each other into said magazine and having upper horizontally disposed cap supporting surfaces so that they will support the lowermost cap in said magazine, a pair of can separators disposed substantially at right angles to said fingers, said cap separators beingdisposed for reciprocation in guideways disposed adjacent opposite edges of said magazine and opening into said magazine at their inner edges intermediate their ends, said cap separators having cam portions which engage the fingers upon reciprocation of the separators and withdraw the fingers from said magazine so as to release the lowermost cap, said cap separators having wedge portions which will enter into said magazine during a portion of the reciprocating movement of the separators and will be projected between the lowermost cap and the cap next above so as to force the lowermost cap downwardly and support the cap next above during the time said fingers are withdrawn, said wedge portions having upper horizontal cap supporting surfaces disposed at a distance above the cap supporting surfaces of said fingers which is substantially the thickness of a cap so as to engage said cap next above and lower inclined cam surfaces adapted to engage said lowermost cap, the sharp ends of said wedge portions terminating short of the positions of said fingers.

HARRY E. STOVER. 

